Bantayan Island, Cebu converged and rooted for their boxing hero Manny Pacquiao as they witnessed with the world his valiant fight against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. The live viewing was for the first time done simultaneously in Santa Fe, Bantayan and Madridejos towns, a public service of British life insurer Pru Life UK.
An island still recovering from the devastation wrought by super typhoon Yolanda more than a year ago, the locals gave their outpouring of support to the People’s Champ in his defeat to Mayweather in the Fight of the Century. Known for being a survivor, Pacquiao serves as an inspiration to the Bantayan people who are continuing to rebuild their lives, livelihoods, and communities.
Bantayan Island was one of the worst-hit islands in the country when super typhoon Yolanda struck the country in November 2013, claiming more than 6,000 lives. After almost two years since the destruction, the island, together with the affected provinces in the Central Visayas region, continues recovery efforts with the support of charitable organizations and Pru Life UK’s Prudence Foundation. The Foundation has provided livelihood and rehabilitation to the people of Bantayan Island for the past year; aiding almost 90 per cent of the population with their substantial needs.
“We know how hard it was for the Bantayan people to get back on their feet when they have lost almost everything.” said Antonio de Rosas, president and CEO of Pru Life UK. “Pru Life UK supports every Filipino fighter. With our charitable arm, Prudence Foundation, we are committed to restoring the island. This is why we brought the much-anticipated fight of the two boxing greats to the people of Bantayan Island, We strongly believe that this will further inspire the locals – and us — to fight against difficulties and succeed in making life better.”
Pru Life UK brought live coverage of the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight to 10 communities in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Quezon, Albay, Aklan, Cebu, and Northern Samar. The live screening in Bantayan Island drew nearly 7,000 viewers. In the 10 communities, an estimated 27,800 watched Pru Life UK’s live screenings.
